Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola
Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of four major seaports in the South-South region as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and improve trade activities.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval, saying the move would strengthen the country’s port system and support economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ports affected by the latest approval are Onne Port in Rivers State, Rivers Port, Delta Port and Calabar Port.
Oyetola said the decision follows the earlier approval for the upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos, noting that the Federal Government was working towards creating a balanced and globally competitive port network.
According to the minister, modern and efficient ports are essential to boosting trade, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, infrastructure renewal and economic diversification remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Modern and efficient ports are critical to this vision because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs,” Oyetola said.
He explained that extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would help reduce pressure on the nation’s busiest ports while providing more options for cargo movement across the country.
The minister said upgraded facilities at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports would improve cargo handling, reduce vessel waiting time and make the transportation of goods more efficient.
“Upgraded infrastructure and improved operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports will enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective,” he stated.
Oyetola added that the ports have important roles to play in Nigeria’s industrial development and regional economic growth.
“These ports have strategic roles to play in our trade, industrial and regional development, and we are determined to equip them to meet the demands of a growing economy,” he said.
The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government is supporting the development of new deep seaports, including the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny Deep Seaports.
He said the combined investment in existing ports and new maritime facilities would expand Nigeria’s logistics capacity and position the country as a major maritime hub in Africa.
“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports. Together, these investments will expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, create stronger economic corridors and position our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa,” Oyetola said.
The minister noted that the government’s long-term plan is to develop an integrated transport system where ports, roads, railways and inland waterways work together to support faster movement of goods.
He said the goal is to reduce the cost of doing business for Nigerian companies while creating a better environment for investment and job creation.
Oyetola assured that the ministry would continue to collaborate with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the projects deliver visible benefits to Nigerians.
The port modernisation programme is part of the Federal Government’s wider strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector, improve trade infrastructure and unlock the economic potential of the country’s coastal resources.
